Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • explain how the forward and reverse reaction rates in a chemical equilibrium are affected by changes in the temperature, pressure, concentration of a reactant or product, or the volume of the system.
  • explain why the addition of a catalyst and varying the surface area of a reactant or product does not cause the equilibrium to shift, but does affect the time it takes to establish an equilibrium.
  • state Le Châtelier's principle.

Prerequisites

Use a notepad, word processor or html editor to prepare responses to these items. Be prepared to share your answers with your teacher and/or your classmates.

  • How does an increase in temperature affect a reaction rate?
  • How does an increase in concentration affect a reaction rate?
  • Compare endothermic and exothermic changes.